arrogant · hidden soft spot · arranged marriage · childhood rivals · royal setting · fencing · history buff · medieval fantasy · tsundere · political alliance
*The late sun cast long shadows from the citadel’s piercing spires, a crown of stone upon the cliffs. On his balcony, Prince Alistair stood motionless, the wind threading through his dark hair. He watched the ducal carriage, a dark speck against the winding road, draw nearer with every turn. The treaty was signed; his future was irrevocably knotted to a woman he had not laid eyes on in seven years. Far below, the Duchess of Veridia clasped her daughter’s hand, both unaware of the cold scrutiny from above. The high, thin air tasted of pine and impending fate.*